On Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017, at 11:38 a.m., deputies from the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a two-vehicle crash on U.S. 20 at the intersection of Range Road in rural Kankakee Township. Firemen from the Kankakee Township Fire Department were the first to arrive and they determined that the driver of a Honda passenger car was unresponsive. He was subsequently pronounced dead at the scene by the LaPorte County Coroner’s Office. The other driver was not injured.

Deputies determined that the Honda had been traveling west on U.S. 20 when it began to lose control and traveled left of center when it was struck broadside by an eastbound semi tractor-trailer. The Honda was impacted on the passenger side and the impact forced both vehicles onto the south shoulder of the road, along the eastbound lanes. t the time of the crash heavy snow was falling and the road surface was snow covered, slick and hazardous.

The driver of the Honda has been identified as Jake Eason, 21, of rural LaPorte. Eason was the only occupant in his vehicle and he had been wearing a seat belt and shoulder harness. The driver of the semi has been identified as Thomas Darrus, 54, of Riverside, IL.

The LaPorte County Drug Task Force has arrested Todd E. Hunsley, 29, of Michigan City, and Calvin L. Lowery, 28, of Chicago, following a lengthy investigation. The task force began investigating the two following citizen complaints that they were distributing heroin within LaPorte County, resulting in several overdoses.

On Dec. 7, 2017, The task force obtained a search warrant for Hunsley’s residence in the 1700 Block of Elston Street in Michigan City. Hunsley and Lowery were then taken into custody. Seized items from the residence included illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia.

Lowery

Hunsley is charged with three counts of Dealing in Cocaine or a Narcotic Drug, Level 5 Felonies. Lowery is charged with one count of Dealing in Cocaine or a Narcotic Drug, a Level 4 Felony. Both were being held on $15,000 cash-only bonds in LaPorte County Jail.

“This investigation is an excellent example of the LaPorte County Drug Task Force following up on citizen complaints and conducting a thorough investigation,” Michigan City Police Chief Mark Swistek said in a press release. “These investigations are one way that law enforcement proactively attempts to rid the neighborhoods of LaPorte County of heroin.”

The LaPorte County Drug Task Force was assisted in the investigation by the LaPorte County Prosecutor’s Office, Michigan City Police Department SWAT Team, DEA, and ATF.

The LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal crash that occurred in the early morning Friday, Dec. 8, 2017.

Deputies responded to the area of CR 400 N east of CR 50 W at 3:38 a.m. They discovered a blue 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee off the south side of CR 400 N in a cornfield. The driver of the vehicle, who was deceased, had been ejected and was found lying next to the rear passenger side of the vehicle.

The driver, who was the only occupant, was identified as 64-year-old George W. Johnson Jr, whose residence is approximately one mile from the crash site.

Investigation found that the Jeep was traveling east on CR 400N, left the south side of the roadway and struck small trees before flipping end over end and landing upright approximately 200 feet from where the vehicle initially left the roadway. It is not known at this time why the vehicle left the roadway or what may have caused the driver to lose control of his vehicle.

Michigan City Police said the robber entered the gas station shortly after 1 a.m. Nov. 20, pulled a knife and demanded money from the clerk. He then fled.

On Nov. 21 at about 3 a.m., the suspect drew a knife and demanded money from the Baymont Inn night clerk, then fled.

Subsequent investigations led police to Knoll as the suspect. He was also wanted on several outstanding warrants in LaPorte County for other crimes. Knoll was arrested Nov. 22 on the outstanding warrants, then charged Dec. 1 with the robberies.

Anyone with further information about these crimes or others in Michigan City are asked to call the Crime Tip Hotline at 219-873-1488.

The LaPorte County Drug Task Force arrested 6 people within a week on drug and firearms charges. The arrests followed long investigations into each.

Arrested were:

Inghels

Perry

Martin

— Shane D. Inghels, 35, of Mishawaka, who was arrested Nov. 28, 2017, by the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Department patrol division after a vehicle pursuit. The drug task force assisted K-9 Deputy Andrew Hahn in this investigation, which ultimately led the seizure of 69 grams of methamphetamine, two handguns and U.S. currency. Inghels is charged with Dealing in Methamphetamine, Level 2 Felony, and Serious Violent Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Level 4 Felony. He was being held in LaPorte County Jail on a $50,000 cash bond.

— Antoni C. Martin, 27, of Harvey, IL, was arrested Nov. 29, 2017, after Cpl. Greg Radiger of the Michigan City Police Department initiated a traffic stop on Martin and he fled on foot, discarding a handgun as he ran. Martin was apprehended a short time later and charged with Serious Violent Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Level 4 Felony, and Resisting Law Enforcement, Level 6 Felony. Martin was being held in LaPorte County Jail with no bond.

–Danielle Faulkenburg, 28, of LaPorte, was arrested Dec. 2, 2017, after Sergeant Andy Hynek located her in a vehicle in the 400 block of Maple Avenue that had been stolen out of Marshall County, IN. Faulkenburg is charged with Dealing Methamphetamine, Level 4 Felony, Dealing Methamphetamine, Level 5 Felony (two counts), and Auto Theft, Level 6 Felony. She was being held at LaPorte County Jail on a $20,000 cash-only bond.

— Jeremy J. King, 40, of Michigan City, was arrested Dec 3, 2017, by lead investigator Willie Henderson, after a lengthy investigation into alleged narcotics dealing in which King was involved in LaPorte County. King is charged with Dealing Methamphetamine, Level 2 Felony, and Dealing Methamphetamine, Level 3 Felony. He was being held in LaPorte County Jail on a $50,000 cash-only bond.

— Joseph A. Peters, 43, of Michigan City, was arrested Dec. 4, 2017, after Sgt. Andy Hynek conducted a traffic stop near Springland and Carroll avenues in Michigan City. Hynek was assisted by Sgt. Dallas Smythe and his K-9 partner “Marko,” where 129 grams of cocaine were located on Peters. He is charged with Dealing in Cocaine, Level 2 Felony. He was being held in LaPorte County Jail on a $50,000-cash only bond.

— Michael D. Perry, 43, of Gary, was arrested in Michigan City on Dec. 4 after he fled from a vehicle and ran into a wooded area. A search warrant for his vehicle was obtained, which resulted in the seizure of 230 grams of cocaine. Perry is charged with Dealing Cocaine, Level 2 Felony, and Resisting Law Enforcement, A Misdemeanor. Perry was being held at LaPorte County Jail on a $50,000 cash-only bond.

Hynek said in a press release that the drug task force has a great working relationship with the federal Drug Enforcement Agency and the ATF, and those agencies are reviewing some of these cases for possible federal prosecution. These cases resulted in 3 firearms being removed from dangerous criminals, over 70 grams of meth being seized, and over 360 grams of cocaine being recovered. The drugs seized in these cases have a street value of more than $30,000.

The drug task force was assisted in these cases by the patrol divisions from the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Department, LaPorte City Police, Michigan City Police, LaPorte County Prosecutor’s Office, Indiana HIDTA Intel unit, and St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department.

LaPorte County Sheriff Jan Rose presents Mike (with a full head of hair!) with a certificate following completion of a police cadet training academy, circa 1981.

Mike in his days as a volunteer firefighter.

Promoted to patrolman, circa 1989.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Mike Kellems has been a generous and talented photo and story contributor to WNLP pretty much since our inception in 2009. Through many of his shared thoughts and experiences, we’ve gotten a glimpse of just what it takes to be a cop day in and day out — the tragedies and the triumphs. While he announces in this heartfelt column that he is ending his career with the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office after more than 30 years, he has told us that he will continue to occasionally write and take photos for us. If he does not, we will have him arrested. Congratulations, Mike.

(Click photos to enlarge)

By Mike Kellems

It is time. On January 2, 2018, I will work my last day as a police officer for the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office. When I became a policeman more than 31 years ago, I knew there would come a day that I’d have to decide: stay at the department until the end of time, or retire, or start a second career and a second pension? Fortunately, my decision was helped along in September 2017 by a job offer. On January 3, 2018, I will begin a new career overseeing Safety and Security for the Duneland School Corporation in Chesterton.

With one of the Oakland A’s World Series trophies at A’s owner Charlie Finley’s LaPorte home.

This came about quickly and it is a very good opportunity. For much of my career as a police officer I have had one foot in education: D.A.R.E. officer, LaPorte School Board member, swim coach, and school resource officer. With my new career, I’ll be rooted in education with one foot in law enforcement.

Since this opportunity has presented itself, I’ve thought a lot about my time serving as a police officer in LaPorte County. I have seen my share of tragedy along with triumph. A seasoned police veteran once explained that every tragedy we see becomes a domino in our heads and one day, those dominoes will surely fall. Well, as you can imagine, I’ve got a lot of dominoes; so many deaths over the years. Fires, crashes, suicides, homicides, drownings, plane crashes. I’ve responded to dozens and dozens of these calls in the past three decades. Thankfully, as a self-defense mechanism, I’ve filed many of these “dominoes” away so deeply that I cannot easily recall details, yet there are many etched into my memory. I will never forget.

Cops see so much sadness and grief that we quickly learn to put those memories in a place that we hope never gets opened. I will always have a special place in my heart for those who have died tragically and the families that were devastated by the loss.

I am going to work hard at focusing on the triumphs I’ve been witness to in my career. A few that will be in my “highlight reel” include the recent efforts save 3-year-old “Bubby” following a farming accident; nearly two decades of honoring our county’s fallen police officers; working with the state Legislature to have Ind. 39 named in honor of fallen LaPorte County Patrolman Neil Thompson; participating in many great LaPorte 4th of July Parades; and the many police escorts for area sports teams as they advanced in tournament play.

The 1997 Slicers basketball team at semistate outside Mackey Arena.

A particular favorite: the 1997 LaPorte Slicer basketball team. I was privileged to lead the team as they progressed from sectionals to regionals, to semistate and finally the state championships in Indy. It’s very easy to get caught up in all the excitement surrounding high school sports, and I’m thankful to have had a small part in the memories created.

Like many police officers, I’ve worn many hats in addition to everyday duties. I was a fire investigator for a dozen years and worked very closely with many of our great volunteer fire departments. Ten years on the SCUBA Team kept me busy on the many lakes in the county. For 20 years I was a hostage/crisis negotiator and responded to many incidents, helping to resolve a distressed person in crisis. I’m thankful to have had the chance to start the department’s annual Peace Officer Memorial, a service that honors the county’s and the country’s fallen police officers. Thirteen Peace Officers have given their lives serving the citizens of LaPorte County; more than 21,000 have paid the ultimate price across the Unites States. The very least we can do is gather each year to pay tribute and we should never, ever forget their sacrifice.

Mike’s first DARE class graduation at LeMans Military Academy in 1998.

One of the things I’m most proud of is having the chance to mentor students as they pursued careers in law enforcement. Several have gone on to careers in police work and by all accounts, they’ve become successful on the job. Having had a small part in lending a hand as their careers unfolded has been incredibly rewarding.

As my career in public service knocks on the door of 32 years, plus six years as a county police cadet, I will be leaving at the top of my game with my head held high. I’d like to think that when duty called, I answered and gave 100 percent.

On May 12, 1986, LaPorte County Sheriff Jan Rose took a chance on a 20-year-old kid. I’ve been grateful for the opportunity to serve the citizens of LaPorte County ever since.

Mike (right) with close friend Mark Wilhelm in the early 1990s. They both served as police cadets and with the sheriff’s department. Mark is now a policeman in Colorado.

With “Splish & Splash” before a parade. The one on the left is now Sheriff’s Sgt. Adam Hannon.

Howe Military Academy students and Mike at a DARE project that involved rocker Ted Nugent (second from left) at a shooting range.

At a gathering to talk with Marquette High School students about the dangers of drinking and driving in March of 2017.

On Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017, at approximately 1:55 p.m., officers from the LaPorte Police Department were dispatched to a residence in the 900 block of Indiana Avenue for a possible suicidal subject. The caller contacted LaPorte County 911, advising that he was having thoughts of suicide. Officers arrived and attempted to make contact with the caller, who refused to speak with police. Officers secured the area around the residence due to reports that the caller may be in possession of a firearm.

The LaPorte Police Department reached out to the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Department to request assistance from their Emergency Response Team (ERT). ERT negotiators made contact with the caller and made every possible effort to have the caller exit his home to speak with officers. After several hours of negotiations, the caller advised negotiators that he would be coming out of his home to meet with officers. It was at that time the caller ended his own life while still inside his home. Officers from both agencies were finally released from the scene at 8:03 p.m.

Out of respect for surviving family members, the deceased’s name is not being released at this time.

The LaPorte Police Department would like to thank the following agencies/persons for their invaluable assistance: LaPorte County Sheriff’s Department, LaPorte County E911 Center, LaPorte County Emergency Medical Service, LaPorte Fire Department, Indiana State Department of Transportation (INDOT), LaPorte Street Department, and Rev. Paul Nesta and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

The new body scanner at the LaPorte County Jail. (Sheriff’s office photo)

After a number of contraband smugglings within the LaPorte County Jail in recent months, the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office has added a body scanner to scan all inmates.

“The scanner went live on Nov. 20, 2017, after the installation and training of jail deputies,” a sheriff’s department press release states. “The SecurPASS scanner, which was purchased at a cost of $199,000, was quickly put to use and has already been successful. Less than 48 hours after the unit was made operational, a female inmate being admitted to the jail was found to be concealing six Flexeril (muscle relaxant) pills in her brassiere. On Nov. 27, a female inmate who had been brought from the Lake County Jail was found to have hidden tattooing equipment in a body cavity. Jail tattooing, which is a jail rule violation, is often popular however is very unsanitary and can lead to infection and sickness.”

In September, three individuals — a jail inmate, a jail kitchen worker and a visitor — were charged with trafficking marijuana, a cell phone and tobacco at the jail.

Deputies from the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office were involved in a pursuit Tuesday evening, Nov. 28, 2017, through two counties that ended with the fleeing vehicle crashing.

Inghels

Deputy Andrew Hahn initiated a traffic stop on U.S. 20 near Ind. 39 shortly before 7 p.m. The vehicle, a cream-colored 2002 Lincoln, failed to stop and accelerated to a high rate eastbound on U.S. 20. The vehicle continued east, reaching speeds well in excess of 100 miles per hour. The pursuit continued on Ind. 2 east of the U.S. 20 junction; Hahn reported that the suspect vehicle reached speeds of 130 miles per hours as it left LaPorte County and continued into St. Joseph County.

When the suspect vehicle attempted a right turn onto Tulip Road in St. Joseph County, it failed to make the turn and crashed. The driver fled on foot. Hahn, who is a K-9 handler, gave chase with his K-9 “Hokie” and after approximately 75 yards, Hokie knocked the suspect down and bit him on the upper left shoulder; the suspect was taken into custody without further incident.

The driver was identified as 35-year-old Shane Inghels of Mishawaka, IN. Inghels was found to be wanted on an outstanding warrant for level 6 felony Possession of a Syringe in St. Joseph County, IN. Inghels faces additional charges of resisting law enforcement, reckless driving and criminal recklessness.

A 20-year-old female who was a passenger in the fleeing vehicle was pregnant and as a precaution, was transported to South Bend Memorial.

Inghels was transported to LaPorte Hospital to be medically cleared before being lodged in the LaPorte County Jail.

The LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an incident where two horses and a cow were shot. A sheriff’s deputy was dispatched on Thursday, Nov. 24, 2017, to meet with a resident in the 7300 East block of Emery Road in Hudson Lake regarding the horses being wounded. The deputy spoke with the property owner, who said he first observed the injuries to the horses around 4 p.m. the previous day. One horse was owned by the property owner and one horse was boarded at the same property.

One horse had what appeared to be a bullet wound in the right front leg; the other was injured in the left front leg. The complainant had been in contact with a veterinarian, who said the wounds were not life threatening and that it would be more dangerous to try to remove the bullets.

The deputy reported that the wounds had the appearance of a large-caliber bullet. The horses are kept in a large pasture that is visible from the road. The homeowner reported that he had not heard any gunshots prior to finding the wounded animals.

The sheriff’s office also learned via social media that a cow in a nearby pasture, unrelated to the horse pasture, may have also been wounded by a bullet. However, as of the time of this release no one has reported that to the sheriff’s department.

A detective has been assigned to this case and will be following up on leads. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Sergeant Brian Piergalski at 219.326.7700 extension 2539.